Teach Soap

Hi everyone. I made it through the fair on July 4th. It turned out not to be the best venue but I learned *alot* and that's okay. I'm now turning my attention to my etsy shop. I just spent the better part of the day/evening getting it setup up. I would really like to get your feedback on the banner, the one listing, the store policies, profile and anything else that sticks out. Good or needs clarification/improvement. I wasn't ready to post more than one item just so I could see how it all looks and there are still a few holes that need addressing (i.e. flat rate shipping, canada, international, one more photo with it packaged).

On a separate note, from looking at other sites, I'm baffled how people can indicate in their policies/announcements that they can get 5-8 soaps into that small flat rate box for $4.95 (at least that's what I"ve read on some peoples shops). I brought one home from USPS and can just get 4 soaps in there with some bubble wrap. I didn't like how it was a bit tight. 3 fit well with appropriate bubble wrap on each soap. Or maybe they are not using the box but something else? I have two questions -

1. Check out my site and when/if you can provide feedback - http://www.asliceofdelight.etsy.com

2. How do you packge your soap for shipping?

Thanks
Hilary

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http://www.asliceofdelight.etsy.com

OMG - I went to look at my listing - where is it? where is it? Then I open my e-mail - between the time I went to sleep and woke up - someone I don't know - bought my soap. I'm in amazement, happy, joyful and oh yeah - delighted! - off to the post office later.

I will post another one shortly (check the sale category for now) after I get back from my gym appt.

Looking forward to your feedback
Hilary

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http://www.asliceofdelight.etsy.com

Hi Hilary,
I can't help you as far as packaging and shipping goes, I haven't got to the point of selling yet.
I just wanted to say you etsy shop looks great and your banner is perfect. I LOVE the soap you just SOLD! Yea! What a great start to sell your first and only listing! I wish you lots of luck and have fun!

Hi asliceofdelight! I just want to say congrats on your first sale!
I love your banner, it's so colorful and it uses one of your products in it. I can't wait for you to post some more items! Then there will be more to base the critique off of, but so far, it's great!

When you get more things posted on there make sure to make more sections such as:
goatsmilk bars,
olive oil,
and any other base that you use. (or do a sale section, and make a section if you decide to do things like bath salts, lotions etc.)
hope I could help! You should check out the virtual labs sometime! They have noobie chat with is so helpful, and they also have shop critiques! Check them out sometime they're so so so helpful!

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Come check out the shop!
http://www.amplifyme.etsy.com
and the blog!
http://www.amplifymesoapco.blogspot.com

Here's the big shipping secret - I sell very large bars (6 oz or so) and I can fit six in a flat rate envelope.

First, forget the small flat rate box, that thing is way too flimsy. Go get a large video box (1096L is the USPS stock number). It will fit in a flat rate envelope. I know you'll have doubts, because it BARELY fits, but it gets easier with practice.

Trust me, I use those things by the case, and it really helps.

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http://www.magichandsworkshop.com
http://www.magichands.etsy.com
http://www.magichandsworkshop.blogspot.com

I like the look of your site. Very colorful and its fits nicely with the look of your products.

I buy boxes and padded envelopes from papermart.com to ship my soaps. I do 100% parcels, no flats. I've had problems with the USPS turning flats of samples into a big lump in the bottom of an envelope. When this happens I either get the package back the next day or my customer ends up paying postage due. The difference is about $0.35 usually so I do parcels only now.

I pack with shredded paper for the most part. I can get big bags of shred from one of the local banks for free. I also use the left over bits of shrink wrap. I also recycle all the peanuts and bubble wrap I get too.

I use a postage meter too. Trips to the post office were turning into a nightmare. I end up paying $20 a month for the meter plus the cost of postage and printing supplies. I can refill the postage online in about two minutes too. Now I just walk in and hand them one of those white plastic basket things and they give me an empty one.

Hi all. For those who had the time and inclination to provide me feedback - I say "thank you". Everyone had comments that were both positive and useful with some informational adjustments. And some brought up points for me to follow up on but all *very useful* and of course very emotionally boosting.

I've now posted all my soaps but two since I'm kind of pooped but it sure does look like I have a real on-line store that I feel proud of. And now I can turn my attention to making a special soap (limited edition -tee hee) called "Le Maillot Jaune" for a friend who is into The Tour who agreed to buy and let me test the etsy private posting process.

I know I have along way to go but I do feel like I'm off to a good start and now I have to pull out my bull horn and start spreading the word :+} to friends, family and contacts.

Merci Beaucoup!!
Hilary
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www.asliceofdelight.etsy.com

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http://www.asliceofdelight.etsy.com